Mamdani's initial response to NYPD shootings draws criticism

Mayor Zohran Mamdani called two officer-involved shootings 'devastating' and said the NYPD is conducting internal investigations. He later condemned antisemitic chants at a Kew Gardens synagogue after being pressed for comment.

Two officer-involved shootings in New York City on Thursday prompted statements from Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other officials. City accounts say police used force in both incidents while responding to separate public-safety calls. The mayor described the events as "devastating" and said the NYPD is conducting internal investigations. Critics and some officials raised concerns about the tone and timing of his initial remarks, and reported antisemitic chants at a Kew Gardens synagogue the same night drew condemnation from several leaders. Known details: - Officials reported two separate officer-involved shootings took place on Thursday and involved police using lethal force while responding to incidents. - Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the incidents "devastating" and announced that internal NYPD investigations are underway. - Mamdani later condemned antisemitic language reported at a Kew Gardens synagogue protest after being asked for comment. - Other officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul and City Council Speaker Julie Menin, publicly denounced the antisemitic chants. Summary: Local leaders are addressing both the officer-involved shootings and reports of antisemitic chants outside a synagogue. The NYPD has said internal investigations are underway, and no detailed timeline for those probes was provided. The mayor's initial comments drew public criticism from some quarters for their tone and timing. Undetermined at this time.